We meet outside the station,
Embrace and start to amble,
Down the hill.
Talking as our feet fall,
In rhythm on the pavement.
Catching up is easy.
Questions, answers.
The warmth of kindness,
Bridges over years of disconnection.
Prawn toast and green tea,
Draws us to deeper conversation.
Vulnerable, interested, openhearted
Fears, lots of laughter,
Idiosyncrasies still intact.
We know each other,
Despite years and distance,
I still can’t bear to sit,
Once we have finished eating.
You loosen your belt,
before we sit down.
We wander back,
Through the park and drink coffee,
Before we climb the hill,
Back to the station,
Finding platforms,
We hug again and part.
I am thankful for a friend.
Whose gentle kindness,
Has been missed.
A gift rediscovered.
Listening to - Envious - SAULT